We were lucky against Lajong FC - Dempo SC coach Armando Colaco

The Goan tactician conceded that his side were lucky, at the same time giving credit to the visitors for putting up a strong showing...

Armando Colaco stated that he was happy that his side got the three points to remain unbeaten and go top of the league, after Dempo beat Lajong 4-1 at home on Saturday.

Lajong were a going to be a tough team to beat, based on recent results and Colaco agreed. "As I said earlier, it would be a tough game. Do not forget this team (Shillong Lajong) has already beaten Mohun Bagan and Prayag United, so it was always going to be difficult playing against them."

Dempo had gone 2-0 up before a goal from Jibon Singh made it an even contest. While a Lajong goal looked more likely to score thereafter, the home side were awarded a penalty.

"We were lucky to get that goal," said Colaco. "If Lajong's defender had not handled the ball, and we hadn’t got that penalty, things could have been very different."

"We were at times casual, that's why we conceded. After going two goals up, we slowed down a bit which allowed them to get back in it. Jibon Singh took his goal very well," he admitted.

"It's not that they didn't deserve at least a point out of the game, but under pressure on the counter they conceded the two goals. But that's football. Sometimes you play well and lose, sometimes you play badly and win," he added.

With Koko Sakibo out for three months due to a rib injury, Joaquim Abranches started alongside Ryuji Sueoka upfront though his coach wasn't too pleased with his performance.

"I was surprised at Abranches' game today," commented Armando, "He had an easy chance to score early on. If that had gone in, it would have changed the game completely."

"Nevertheless, I'm happy with the result which helps us remain unbeaten and sends us back on top," he concluded.

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